Interpretive Summary: The major objectives of the table grape breeding program are outlined and the progress to date is reported. Objectives include: 1) development of improved table grape cultivars with red, white and black naturally large seedless berries that ripen from early to late in the season; 2) powdery mildew resistant table grape cultivars; and 3) Pierce’s disease resistant table grape cultivars. Scarlet Royal, a mid-season red seedless grape, and Autumn Royal, a late-season white seedless grape, have been released and are being widely planted by growers. The first powdery mildew resistant, mid-season white seedless table grape has been planted in advanced production trials. It has the potential to eliminate the necessity for chemical control of powdery mildew. Advanced table grape selections from the 4th generation of crosses for Pierce’s disease resistance and high fruit quality have been selected and propagated for advanced testing. This high fruit quality material has potential to provide Pierce’s disease resistant cultivars with good fruit quality.

Technical Abstract:
The USDA/ARS table grape breeding program is developing: 1) a series of seedless table grape cultivars with naturally large berries, early to late maturity, and red, white or black fruit; 2) powdery mildew resistant table grape cultivars; and 3) Pierce’s Disease resistant table grape cultivars. Fifty-two selections are at various stages of evaluation in the commercial production test plot. The recently released Scarlet Royal and Autumn King are being widely planted by growers. A number of powdery mildew resistance sources have been used in the breeding program and selections with table grape quality have been propagated for production trials. Seven different sources of powdery mildew resistance are being utilized. The 5th generation of crosses for Pierce’s disease resistant material with table grape quality were accomplished in 2009. This high quality material has potential to provide Pierce’s disease resistant cultivars with good fruit quality.